Register of domestic abuse offenders

The cold hard facts are these: there are over 1 million victims of domestic abuse each year; over 300,000 women sexually assaulted each year; 60,000 women raped and two women killed each week. Shockingly, every 30 seconds the police will receive a call about domestic abuse.

Croydon Council is not alone in saying enough is enough and that is why we have set up this petition. It is not enough for us to campaign at a local level.

Whilst both women and men can experience violence at the hands of their partner, we know that in Croydon this is predominantly a crime against women. A recent British Crime Survey found that around 89% of victims who experience four or more incidents of domestic violence are women; with over 30% of women experiencing domestic abuse, in their lifetime, often with years of psychological abuse. With more than two-thirds of cases of sexual assault or stalking in the UK being perpetrated against women, we believe not enough is being done to tackle the root causes or to adequately protect the victims of these crimes - regardless of gender or background.

We believe that a national register of domestic abuse offenders would help agencies, such as councils and the police, tackle both the symptoms and causes of domestic violence far more effectively than at present. More importantly, it would enable a woman to make a more informed choice about who she enters into a relationship with; and if she has managed to leave an abusive relationship, will also afford her a level of protection not available at the moment.

In short, we believe a national register would:-

1. Help manage and reduce the number of 'serial' domestic abuse offenders;

2. Ensure domestic abuse offenders are unable to simply move to a different area and keep abusing; and

3. Support and help enforce Claire's Law.

The Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, has talked much about the changes needed in law and society where domestic violence is concerned. In fact, in a 2010 speech given at the Women's Aid conference, she said, "Change is often most powerful when it comes from the bottom up."

We couldn't agree more, which is why we need people like you to sign this petition. We need a minimum of 100,000 signatures for this petition to be debated in the House of Commons. With your help, we can achieve this.

This is for every mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, cousin and friend who has been or will be affected by domestic abuse.

Thank you for signing.

Councillor Tony Newman, Leader of Croydon Council

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